Running a marathon is not easy. Neither is taking care of the thousands of runners who take on any 26.2-mile course. At the 2025 Boston Marathon, two groups of MGH Institute students were on hand to help, volunteering with runners both during and after the race. 

While runners start with an eye toward the finish line, some run into challenges along the way — particularly on Boston’s difficult course. Chief Health Equity and Community Excellence Officer Kim Truong helped organize 22 students to assist in the medical tents along the route. Ashley Clark PA '26 and Joseph Gordon-Reznar DNP '25 were stationed at Medical Tent 10 at Newton-Wellesley Hospital.

“As part of the medical team, we were responsible for documenting all care received in the medical tent,” said Gordon-Reznar. “We stayed with the runners during treatment and assisted them in contacting friends and family waiting for them to arrive at the finish line. We worked closely with the providers, trainers, physical therapists, nurses, EMTs, and transportation team to ensure that we were able to get all runners back on the course as quickly as possible or arrange transport to get them back to the finish line for those who were unable to finish the race.” 

Clark documented the interventions the runners needed and triaged the runners coming off the course. 

“The best part of our team was everyone’s flexibility and versatility to assist in various capacities,” said Clark. “My favorite part of the day was the sense of pride you could feel. From the runners to the volunteers and especially to the fans, there was an overwhelming aura where everyone was so kind and uplifting to one another. It was amazing to be a part of, and I look forward to volunteering for years to come.”

Deborah Boateng, DEN '26, who was stationed at Medical Tent 9, may also be back for more. 

“It was my first time attending a marathon, and I was inspired by the dedication, perseverance, and spirit of the participants. It made the day fly by,” said Boateng. “I truly enjoyed my role and the opportunity to work alongside other healthcare professionals to support the runners, whether in big ways or small. The medical team delivered compassionate and seamless care, and as a new grad nurse, I found the experience incredibly valuable. My specific role involved managing medical records — documenting vital signs, assessments, and logging any pertinent information for tracking purposes. It was a worthwhile experience that not only enhanced my clinical skills but also, just maybe, inspired me to run a marathon or two someday!”

Further down the course, Jeel Panchal, a Physician Assistant Studies student, was stationed at the Mile 24 medical tent. 

“My responsibility was triaging and documenting any 'yellow/red' cases that we saw,” said Panchal. “Luckily, we did not have any major severe cases. It was really so inspiring and emotional to be a part of the marathon, and it was truly blissful to be such an integral part and provide care to the amazing runners.”

Some runners who reached the finish line received well-deserved treatment from a dozen members of the MGH Institute PT Club. 

“The PT club volunteered for the American Liver Foundation (ALF), which we have done for the past two years and plan to continue,” said David Selkowitz, the faculty liaison for the club. “They provided massage and stretching to the runners after they finished. ALF and their runners were very impressed with the professionalism and caring from our students and expressed their deep appreciation of their support of the ALF team.”

Like those that volunteered in the medical tents, the experience was about more than the treatments the PT students were able to provide to the runners who needed it. They were able to understand why they ran.

“Volunteering at the Boston Marathon for the American Liver Foundation was a deeply moving experience that left a lasting impact on me,” said Samantha Cathie (DPT '27). “Being part of such an amazing event, surrounded by runners who had pushed their limits for a great cause. I felt connected to their stories as to why they chose to run, impressed by their resilience, and grateful to have met such an amazing group of people during this experience of a lifetime!”

"This was my first time volunteering at the Boston Marathon, and it was an incredible experience to be part of such an iconic event,” said Elizabeth Phan (DPT '26). “It was truly rewarding to provide manual therapy and stretching services to the runners in support of their amazing accomplishments. I had some great conversations with them and felt proud knowing that my treatment contributed to their muscle recovery and relief from soreness. Every runner I met was inspiring, and it was an absolute honor to be part of their journey. I hope I can volunteer again in the future!”